LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers small forward has come into the National Basketball Association with a bang. At the age of 21(turning 22 in December), LeBron has compiled over 6000 points, 1500 rebounds, 1500 assists, and 400 steals in his first three years. LeBron stands at 6′8, 240lbs, born and raised in Akron Ohio. As we all know LeBron did not attend college, as he was taken as the first pick of the entire 2003 draft by the Cavaliers. In LeBron’s first three years, the Cavs have improved each year. In his rooke campaign he helped lead his team to 35 wins, after a 17 win 02-03 season. In his second year the Cavs were a respectable 42-40, before winning 50 games and reaching the 2nd round of the playoffs in 05-06. LeBron’s playoff numbers were very stellar, including averaging 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists a game.

LeBron’s mother, Gloria James, had her son when she was just 16. As LeBron grew up Gloria worked hard to raise LeBron and went from job to job, apartment to apartment all within the city limits of Akron(suburban Cleveland). As an elementary student, LeBron moved in with his peewee football coach, Frankie Walker and his wife and three children. LeBron was treated just like Frankie’s own kids, and was responsible for his share of everyday chores, which was a huge aspect in LeBron’s “growing up process”. LeBron the next few years moved in and out of his mother’s home, only to return to Mr. Walker and his family. Despite all the moving, LeBron and his mother still stayed close.

LeBron enrolled in a parochial school in Akron, St. Vincent St. Mary’s High School where first he was a wideout on the football team. As the school year went on, LeBron went out for basketball, and as a 6-3 freshmen scored 15 points in his varsity debut. St. Vincent St Mary’s went undefeated and won the state championship LeBron’s freshman year.

Most of us know how the remainder of LeBron’s high school career went, as he was all over the news, sports headlines, and even had a few of his games on ESPN. And then in June, LeBron was drafted straight out of high school as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.